Sihanoukville is the place to head. Beaches are not quite up to the standard of Thailand, but still worth a visit and a great place to chill. There are a few beaches like Ocheteual and Victory. Just a case of finding a spot you like and relax for a few days. There are plenty of beach bars, restaurants etc.

Heading to Cambodia myself later this year as well probably and after the usual cultural stuff etc, I would have liked to spend some time at the beach as well. I had a look at some photos at google...Sihanoukville looked as one of the last beaches between Bangkok and Vietnam where I would spend some time. I found a few places which looked better further to the east at Kampot or Kep. Several islands off the coast offer the opportunity for day trips and stays with local families. But probably I am heading to the western tip of Thailand of this, much more opportunities, good prices and loads of choices regarding islands: Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Wai etc. etc.

Well, you are right about that, it is not organised of course, but I have read that after taking a boat from near Kep, there is one island with the opportunity to stay with locals, they will offer that to you after asking if there is some place to stay. Most islands won't let you by the way. But again: it is not out of first hand information. Probably go there somewhere in November by the way, after Malaysia. And you?

Thanks guys, I looked up a few photos of Sihanoukville and the beaches looked hugely populated with tourists - is this the case or did I just find some photos of a busy day?

If so, are their any beaches that are away from the crowd's but still have decent accommodation (I know I might be pushing things there). Don't mind a few tourists but I hate it when you can't even find a place to put your towel down.Thanks heaps

Last time i went Sville was pretty crowded, but there are a few beaches further away that see far fewer tourists than the usual haunts of victory beach and serendipity (current flavour of the month).

Theres a long stretch of sand, so u're bound to find somewhere quiet and further away from the action - theres a private beach, occheuteul if i remember correct, which is pretty quiet, but you would have to find a way to get in. Its part of the fun. Other than that Otres further down is really quiet, as are most beaches further south along the coast.

Accomodation wise u'll have less choices, naturally, but still chances are that u can easily find a nearby guesthouse. Even if not, its just a quick moto ride away from the main backpacker centres of Weather Station Hill and the Serendipity/Victory area...

Another thing - if u're claustrophobic, definitely avoid Koh Russei - it was overflowign with people, and the beach was scruffy (which is an understatement). Another fun side trip is the Preah Sihanouk Marine Park, around 15 USD (or cheaper)...

Thanks guys, I looked up a few photos of Sihanoukville and the beaches looked hugely populated with tourists - is this the case or did I just find some photos of a busy day?

If so, are their any beaches that are away from the crowd's but still have decent accommodation (I know I might be pushing things there). Don't mind a few tourists but I hate it when you can't even find a place to put your towel down.Thanks heaps

Take a look at my S'ville photos. Not crowded at all. I have been to S'ville at least 10 times and the only time it was crazy was a long Cambodian weekend. The rich from PP use S'ville for some R & R. Avoid weekends and Cambo holidays and you will have plenty of room. I think your best bet is to stay at the Victory Hill(weather station hill) area. Try Mealy Chenda for room/food. If you don't like their rooms, there are many other small GHs in this area, some under $5/nite. We like Marina Hotel, just across Ekareach St. $10/nite for a large room with a/c, TV. Easy walk to either Hawaii or Victory beach from this area. Much better choice than staying in town and taking motos each day to the beach.